Kukla's Korner Hockey

Tallon is the seventh Panthers GM this decade to claim he has the tools to build a Stanley Cup champion. He’s the first with such a recent blueprint.

That’s why the longest-tenured Panther, Stephen Weiss, didn’t hesitate when Tallon phoned him in early June asking if he wanted to stay.

“He told me he’s here for the long term like he had in Chicago and that ‘we’re going to do the same thing here,’” said Weiss, a Panther since 2001, a year after the team’s last playoff appearance. “I told him absolutely, this is where I want to be.’‘

Weiss’ longtime teammate Nathan Horton had a different response to Tallon’s question, and was soon traded to the Bruins.

Tallon’s philosophy sounds a lot like another South Florida builder, Bill Parcells, who recently stepped down as the Dolphins’ architect, but remains a consultant for the team. Both believe that the draft is the key to success, and then surround the youngsters with veteran mentors who are tough, passionate and filled with character.